1

Proud feelings and patriotic devotion of the Ameri

The commander in chief enjoins it on the com can people, none will forget what they owe to them-manders of divisions, brigades, regiments, batta selves; what they owe to their country and the high lions, squadrons, troops and companies, to use eve destinies which await it; what to the glory acquired ry exertion within their power to be in readiness for by their fathers, in establishing the independence actual service. At the same time he has to inform which is now to be maintained by their sons, with the augmented strength and resources with which time and Heaven had blessed them.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States to be
fixed to these presents.
Done at the city of Washington, the first day of
September in the year of our Lord, 1814, and
of the independence of the United States the
39th.
JAMES MADISON.

By the president,

JAMES MONROE, secretary of state.

them that he has used, and is now using, every means within the compass of his resources to supply the deficiency in munitions of war, and which will be brought into action in a manner best calculated for practical use. The commander in chief thinks it scarcely necessary to remind the intelligent mili tia of New Jersey, that the invaluable legacy of out freedom was transmitted to us by the patriots of our revolution; that it is a pious duty to their me. mory to preserve it unimpaired, and transmit it as a patrimonial inheritance to our children. We have reason to believe that the same just and beneficent Deity that preserved our country amid the perils and FOURTH MILITARY DISTRICT.—Head quarters, Phila-vicissitudes of the revolution, will still save it from delphia, Aug. 26, 1914. the malignant vengeance with which it is at this GENERAL ORDER-The militia of the city of Phi- time threatened: Should we for a moment hesitate Ladelphia, who have volunteered their services, and to suffer privations, abandon our imaginary pursuits the militia who have been drafted, detailed and orga-of wealth, suspend political dissentions, and unani nized under the requisition of the president of the mously draw our swords with an unalterable deterUnited States, of the fourth of July last, and general mination never to sheathe them until our country is orders of the commander in chief of Pennsylvania, safe, we are unworthy the high title of freemen and of the 22nd of the same month, will parade this fit only for slaves. WILLIAM PENNINGTON. morning at 10 o'clock, in Sixth-street, right on Chesnut-street, equipped completely for the field. By order of general Bloomfield.

WILLIAM DUANE, adj. gen.

AFTER ORDERS.

The captains will proceed with their companies with all possible expedition to Kennet's square, Chester county, where they will encamp and be mustered.

PENNSYLVANIA. General Orders-The landing upon our shores by the enemy hordes of marauders, for the purpose avowedly to create by plunder, burn. ing and general devastation, all possible individual and public distress, gives scope for action to the militia of Pennsylvania to repel that foe, and with just indignation seek to avenge the unprovoked wrongs heaped on our unoffending country. The militia generally within the counties of Dauphin, The contractor will supply provisions on the re- Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill, York, Adams, and Lan turns of the commanding officer of companies, until caster, and that part of Chester county which confurther orders. stitutes the 2d brigade of the 3d division, and these The quarter-master-general will furnish transpor-corps particularly who when danger first threatentation. By order of general Bloomfield, ed, patriotically tendered their services in the field,

fondly hoped inclination will prompt, to the several places of brigade or regimental rendezvous that shall respectively he designated by the proper officer, and thence to march to the place of general rendezvous,

WILLIAM DUANE, Adjutant general. are earnestly invited to rise (as on many occasions NEW-JERSEY. Head-Quarters, Trenton, Aug. 29, Pennsylvania has heretofore done) superior to local 1814-The demonstrations of the enemy must now feeling and evasions that might possibly be drawn evince to every reflecting man, a determined hos-from an imperfect military system, and to repair tility to the freedom and independence of America. with that alacrity which duty commands, and it is That their proposition for peace is insidious, design ed to lull us into security, and paralize the efforts of the nation. The Gothic barbarity exercised in the demolition of public edifices unconnected with war, manifest their envy and hatred of our prosperity, and the practical freedom and independence of Pennsylvanians, whose hearts must be gladdened our government. We have no choice left but sub-at the recital of the deeds of heroism achieved by mission to a haughty unjust foe, or a manly resis-their fellow-citizen soldiers now in arms on the lake tance. If the enemy are not at our own doors, they frontier, and within the enemy's country, now the are at our neighbors, affording us at once admonition to be in readiness, and time for preparation. It hehoves us, therefore, to avail ourselves of this circumstance, to put ourselves in a posture of defence. The commander in chief, therefore solemnly calls on the whole body of the militia of the state, to prepare themselves with every weapon of defence within their reach, to turn their immediate atten. HARRISBURG, 26th Ave. 1814. tion to perfecting themselves in the art of war-toTo John M. Hyneman, Adjutant General. be in readiness to march on the shortest notice, to You are commanded, in consequence of the reprotect every thing dear to freemen-to shield their quisition from the constituted authorities of the wives and their children, their fire-sides and their union, to have prepared for marching, and to Leve altars, from the ferocity of a barbarous army, col-marched to Yorktown, the place of rendezvous, 3000 lected from the outcasts of Europe, and the filth of men, Pennsylvania militia, from the 2d brigade of the West India 1slands, and disembogued on our the Sd division, and from the 4th, 5th, and 6th divia shores, for the purpose of compelling the free born sions, which detachment is to consist of volunteers sons of America to absolute submission to the will who have, or who may tender their services, of flank of a proud, unjust nation, a corrupt ministry, and a companies, infantry and riflemen, who are to march profigate princes in companies, and of drafted militia, designated for

occasion has occurred, will with ardor seek and punish that same implacable foe now marauding ou the Atlantic shores of two of our sister states. Under these impressions, and confident that obedi; ence will be given to the pressing call of our coun try, the commander in chief issues the following

GENERAL ORDERS.

service under general orders of the 22 July fast force in the neighborhood of Fredericksburg, threatpast, which shall be organized into one division and ening that town with like destruction; perceiving two brigades (if not otherwise directed) on the 5th that his operations are principally directed against day of September next, agreeably to law and con-Virginia; and considering that his past conduct for formably to the regulations prescribed for the Uni-bids any, the least, reliance on his respect for the ted States army. laws of civilized warfare; that, on the contrary, it

For the command of which division I designate is plainly his intention to lay waste, with fire and major-general Nathan Watson, and brigadiers gene-sword, every part of the country which may fall unral John Foster and John Addams. The major-der his power; so that no hope remains for the safegeneral and the officers and men under him, are to ty of whatever is dear and valuable to men, but in obey the commands and execute the orders of gene- prompt and vigorous resistance, combining every re eral William Winder, commandant for the United source which the government can command, or the States, within the 10th military district. people voluntarily afford:

The troops may be marched from York either in I have therefore thought proper to issue this my division after organization, or in smaller bodies be-Proclamation, to assure the good people of this com fare organization, if it further the service and gene-monwealth, that every effort has been made, and is ral Winder shall so direct; and to such place as by making, to embody the militia, and, by all possible him shall be designated. Term of service to be six months unless sooner discharged by the authority of the United States. SIMON SNYDER, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. N. R. BOILEAU, id-de-camp

GENERAL ORDERS.

means, to provide such a force as may be able to repel and chastise the invaders, hereby inviting in addi tion thereto, the aid of volunteers of every description, from every part of the state; earnestly calling upon all men, capable of bearing arms, and particularly such as are young and without families, to repair to the standard of their country, to defend their homes, HARRISBURG, 27TH AUG. 1814, their property and their liberty, their wives, their The recent destruction of the capitol of the Uni-children, and their aged parents. Let all volunted States, the threatened and probable conflagra-teers bring with them knapsacks, clothes, and all tion of the metropolis of a sister state, and the gen-arms and accoutrements in their possession; let them eral threatening aspect of affairs, warranting the repair to the city of Richmond, hereby appointed opinion that an attack is meditated by the enemy on their place of rendezvous, singly or in companies, the shores of the Delaware; the governor, to guard and above all, without delay; to which end, it is reagainst surprise, and to have ready an efficient force commended and desired, that such as can, should of freemen to repel the enemy in case of such an come mounted. They will be organized under the event, orders and directs the militia generally, with-immediate orders of the Executive. On an occain the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, sion like the present, demanding whatever of zeal Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon, and courage and patriotism exists amongst us, the Berks, Schuylkill, Lehigh, Northampton and Pike Executive will not fail to do its duty to the utter(in addition to those drafted and designated for the most of its ability, nor allow itself to fear that the service of the United States under the orders of the people will be wanting to themselves. 221 July, who are already subject to the orders of big dier-general looнifield) to be held in readiness to inarch at a moment's warning to such place as may be designated in subsequent orders that will JAMES BARBOUR. issue if the exigencies of our country shall require. The spirit of Virginia is completely roused; and The several brigade inspectors within their res- her gallant sons by thousands have already marched pective bounds, are commanded to execute prompt-to meet the enemy. The very "bones and nerves" ly this order. The generals and other officers are of the state have entered into the contest The urged to assist in the providing of equipments for conflagration of the Capitol has lighted a flame that, Those for whom arms cannot be found conducted by talents, shall avenge the wanton, barbarian deed, and retribute the wrongs of Hampton, and the desolated shores of the Potomac, &c. on the heads of the destroyers. The like observations apIt is confidently hoped, the ardor and love of coun-ply equally to New-Jersey and Pennsylvania. try which pervades the hearts of Pennsylvanians at the present aluming crisis, will induce many to form

the men.

within the respective brigade bounds, will, it is presumed, be furnished by the United States, at the place of rendezvous.

Done at Richmond, this 26th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, and of (L.S.) the Commonwealth the thirty ninth.

MICHILLIMACKINAC.

tary of War, dated

themselves into volunteer corps, and immediately to Copy of a letter from Lt. Col. Croghan to the Secre. march for Philadelphia. It is thus a proper spirit to resist an intolerant foe will be evinced, and mamy difficulties obviated. The governor promises himself the satisfaction of meeting there an host, nerved with resolution to live free or die, in defence of their liberties and their country. He will act with them in any capacity for which his talen's shall fit him. SIMON SNYDER;

U. S. S. War Niagara, off Thunder Bay, Aug. 9th, 1814. SIR-We left Fort Gratiot (head of the Straits St. Clair) on the 12th ult. and imagined that we should arrive in a few days at Malshadash Bay. At the end of a week, however, the commodore from the want of pilots acquainted with that unfrequented part of the lake, despaired of being able to find a Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. passage thro' the island into the bay, and made for N. B, BOILEAU, aid-de-camp. St. Joseph's, where he anchored on the 20th day of VIRGINIA. By the Governor-a Proclamation July. After setting fire to the fort of St. Joseph's, Having received intelligence that the enemy took which seemed not to have been recently occupied, a possession of Washington, on Wednesday the 24th detachment of infantry and artillery, under major jast and immediately, without discrimination of Holmes, was ordered to Sault St. Mary's, for the purpublic or private property, entirely destroyed that pose of breaking up the enemy's establishment at y: having every reason to believe that the other that place. For particulars relative to the execution towns in the district of Columbia are destined to, of this order, I beg leave to refer you to maj. Holmes they have not already undergone the same fate; report herewith enclosed. Finding on my arrival aging also informed that the enemy has landed alat Michilimackinac, on the 26th ult. that the enem

had strongly fortified the height overlooking the old mand until forced to retire from faintness through Fort of Mackinac, I at once despaired of being able loss of blood. Capts. Saunders, Hawkins and Stur with my small force, to carry the place by storm,ges, with every subaltern of that battalion, acted in and determined, (as the only course remaining) on the most exemplary manner. Ensign Bryan, 2d rifle landing and establishing myself on some favorable regt. acting adjutant to the battalion, actively for position, whence I could be enabled to annoy the warded the wishes of the commanding officer. enemy by gradual and slow approaches, under cover Lieuts. Hickman, 28th infantry, and Hyde of the of my artillery, in which I should have the superio. U. S. marines, who commanded the reserve, claim rity in point of metal. I was urged to adopt this my particular thanks for their activity in keeping step by another reason, not a little cogent; could a that command in readiness to meet any exigency. position be taken and fortified on the island, I was have before mentioned lieut. Morgan's activity: his well aware that it would either induce the enemy to two assistants, lieut. Pickett and Mr. Peters, conattack me in my strong holds, or force his Indiansductor of artillery, also merit the name of good and Canadians (the most efficient, and only dispose- officers.

able force) off the island, as they would be very un

The militia were wanting in no part of their duty. willing to remain in my neighborhood after a perma- Col. Cotgreave, his officers and soldiers, deserve the nent footing had been taken. On enquiry, I learned warmest approbation. My acting assistant adjutant from individuals who had lived many years on the gen. capt. N. H. Moore, 28th infantry; with volunisland, that a position desirable as I might wish, teer adjutant M'Comb, were prompt in delivering could be found on the west end, and therefore im- my orders. Capt. Gratiot of the engineers, who mediately made arrangements for disembarking. A volunteered his services as adjutant on the occasion, landing was affected on the 4th inst, under cover of gave me valuable assistance. the guns of the shipping, and the line being quickly

formed, had advanced to the edge of the field spo- enemy, to enquire into the state of the wounded (two On the morning of the 5th, I sent a flag to the ken of for a camp, when intelligence was conveyed in number) who were left on the field, and to request to me, that the enemy was ahead, and a few seconds permission to bring away the body of major Holmes, more brought us a fire from bis battery, of 4 pieces which was also left, owing to the unpardonable ne. firing shot and shells. After reconnoitering his posi-glect of the soldiers in whose hands he was plac tion, which was well selected; his line reached along ed. the edge of the woods, at the further extremity of of maj. Holmes is secured, and will be buried at DeI am happy in assuring you, that the body the field and covered by a temporary breast work; I troit with becoming honors. determined on changing my position, (which was now two lines, the militia forming the front) by I shall discharge the militia to-morrow, and will advancing maj. Holmes' battalion of regulars on the send them down, together with two regular comparight of the militia, thus to outflank him, and by anies to Detroit. With the remaining three compa vigorous effort to gain his rear. The movement was nies I shall attempt to destroy the enemy's establishimmediately ordered, but before it could be execut-ment in the head of Naw-taw-wa-sa-ga river, and if ed, a fire was opened by some Indians posted in a it be thought proper, erect a post at the mouth of thick wood near our right, which proved fatal to that river.

maj. Holmes and severely wounded captain Desha, Very respectfully, I have the honor to remain, sir; [the next officer in rank.] This unlucky fire, by your obedient servant. depriving us of the services of our most valuable officers, threw that part of the line into confusion from which the best exertions of the officers were

G. CROGHAN, Lt. Col. 2d Riflemen. Hon. J. Armstrong, Secretary of War.

Croghan, dated

On board the U. S. schr. Scorpion, 27th July, 1814. SIR-Pursuant to your orders of the inst. I

not able to recover it. Finding it impossible to Copy of a letter from maj. A. H. Holmes, to leut.coè gain the enemy's left, owing to the impenetrable thickness of the woods, a charge was ordered to be made by the regulars immediately against the front This charge altho' made in some confusion, served to drive the enemy back into the woods, from whence an annoying fire was kept up by the Indians.

left the squadron with lieut. Turner of the navy, and arrived at the Sault St Mary's at noon the day after; two hours before, the North West Agent had received notice of our approach, and succeeded in escapLieut. Morgan was ordered up with a light piece ting fire to the vessel above the falls. The design ing with a considerable amount of goods, after setto assist the left, now particularly galled; the ex- of this latter measure was frustrated only by the incellent practice of this brought the enemy to fire at a trepid exertions of Mr. Tumer, with his own men longer distance. Discovering that this disposition and a few of capt. Saunder's company. from whence the enemy had just been driven, (and

which had been represented to me as so high and The vessel was brought down the falls on the 25th, commanding) was by no means tenable, from being bu, having bilged, Mr. Turner destroyed her. Much interspersed with thickets, and intersected in every of the goods we have taken were found in the woods, way by ravines; I determined no longer to expose my on the American side, and were claimed by the agent force to the fire of an enemy deriving every advan- of John Johnston, an Indian trader. tage which could be obtained from numbers and a knowledge of the position, and therefore ordered an immediate retreat towards the shipping.

I secured this property because it was good prize by the maritime law of nations as recognized in the English courts, (witness the case of admiral Rodney This affair, which has cost us many valuable lives, adjudged by lord Mansfield) further, because Jol leaves us to lament the fall of that gallant officer ston has acted the part of a traitor, having been a maj. Holmes, whose character is so well known to tizen and a magistrate of Michigan territory, befor the war department. Captain Vanhorn, of the 19th the war, and at its commencement, and now discharge infantry, and lieut. Jackson of the 24th infantry, ing the functions of a magistrate under the British both brave intrepid young men, fell mortally wound-government. Because his agents armed the Indians ed at the head of their respective commands. The from his stores at our approach; and lastly because conduct of all my officers on this occasion merit my those goods or a considerable part were designed to approbation. Capt. Desha, of the 24th infantry, al- be taken to Michilimackinac. Pork, salt and groce. though severely wounded, continued with his com- ries compose the chief part. Johnston himself posy

#ed to Michilimackinac since the squadron arrived
at St. Joseph. With high respect
A. H. HOLMES, major 32d infantry.
Lieutenant colonel Croghan, 2d rifle commanding.
A true copy from the original report.

N. H. MOORE, acting adjutant general.
Return of the killed, wounded and missing of a detach-
ment commanded by lieutenant colonel C. Croghan
in the affair of the 4th of August, 1814.
On board the United States sloop of war Niagara,
11th August, 1814.

Artillery-Wounded 3 privates. Infantry 17th Regiment; killed 5 privates, wounded 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 15 privates. Two privates since dead. Two privates missing.

19th Regiment, wounded 1 captain, 19 privates, captain J. Vanhorn, since dead-one private since dead.

24th Regiment killed 5 privates, wounded, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, 1 coporal, 1 mubician, 5 privates. Captain Desha severely, lieute. nant H. Jackson since dead; one sergeant since dead. 324 Regiment; killed 1 major,major A. H. Holmes. United States marines.-Wounded 1 sergeant. Ohio militia. Killed, 2 privates, wounded 6 privates. 1 private since dead.

Grand total. 1 Major and 12 privates killed. 2 Captains, 1 lieutenant, 6 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 musician and 38 privates wounded,

2 Privates missing.

The above return exhibits a true statement of the killed, wounded and missing in the affair of the 4th

instant.

M. H. MOORE, captain 28th infantry. Acting assistant adjutant general. Extract of a letter from general M'Arthur to the secretary at war, dated

MALDEN, Aug. 18, 1814. "The squadron under commodore St. Clair is still cruising on lake Huron; have taken two small vessels and are in pursuit of others. I trust it will be able to remain on the Upper Lakes until the garrison at Mackinaw and the British posts in that quarter will be reduced for want of provisions."

ment had been raised among the militia of the dise trict; that he was himself an object of their suspicions and menaces; that an officer of that corps had given him notice, that they would no longer obey any order coming through me as secretary of war; and that in the urgency of the case, it might be prudent so far to yield to the impulse, as to permit some other person to exercise my functions in rela tion to the defence of the district.

To this statement and proposition I answered sub. stantially as follows-that I was aware of the excitement to which he alluded, that I knew its source and had marked its progress; that the present was not a moment to examine its more occult causes, ob jects and agents: that it ostensibly rested on charges known to himself to be false, that it was not for me to determine how far the supposed urgency of the case made it proper for him to yield to an impulse so vile and profligate-so injurious to truth and so destructive of order; but that for myself, there was no choice; that I could never surrender a part of my legitimate authority, for the preservation of the rest-that I must exercise it wholly, or not at all; that I came into office, with objects exclusively public; and that to accommodate my principles or my conduct to the humours of a village mob, stimulated by faction and led by folly, was not the way to promote these; and that if his decision was taken in conformity to the suggestions he had made, I intreated him to accept my resignation.-This he declined doing. It was an extent, he was pleased to say, to which he meant not to go; that he knew the excitement was limited, as well with regard to time as to place; that he was now, and had always been, fully sensible of the general zeal, diligence and talent, which I had put into the discharge of my duty, and that it would give him pleasure, were I to take time to consider his proposition. Í and my readiness to conform to his wishes on all renewed the assurance of my great personal respect diligence and talent I possessed, had been employed proper occasions. I remarked, that whatever zeal, freely but firmly, and according to my best views of the public good, and that as long as they were left

Extract of a letter from col. B. Hawkins to the secreto be so exerted, they were at the service of my

tury at War, dated.

country-but that the moment they were made to CRREK AGENCY, Aug-16, 1814. bow to military usurpation or political faction, there "General Jackson terminated his negociations with should be an end of their public exercise. We now the Creeks on the 9th, and left there on the 11th with parted, with an understanding that I should leave the regular troops going by water down the Ubama. Washington the following morning. The line of limits is Coosau river with a reserve of It has been since stated to me, as a fact (to which two miles square for Fort Williams, to the falls of I give the most reluctant belief) that on the morn the river seven miles above fort Jackson, thence east-ing of the 29th, and before my arrival in the city, wardly to a point 2 miles north of Ofüchshee (a large a committee of the inhabitants of Georgetown, of creek six miles below fort Decatur) thence across whom Alexander C. Hanson, editor of the Federal Tallapoosa to the mouth of the creek, and up the Republican, was one, had waited on the President, same ten miles in a direct line thence to Chattoho-by deputation, and had obtained from him a promise chee, and across it at the first creek two and a half that I should no longer direct the military defenmiles below Okelayocenna about 68 miles north of ces of the district. On this fact, all commentary the confluence of Chattahoehee and Flint, thence to is unnecessary. Georgia, with an eventful reservation to accommodate the Kinnards."

It but remains to exhibit and to answer, the several charges raised against me, and which form the ground work of that excitement, to which the Presi dent has deemed it prudent to sacrifice his authori ty, in declining to support mine. They are as follows.

GEN. ARMSTRONG'S LETTER, To the Editors of the Baltimore Patriot. It may be due to myself, and is certainly due to others, that the reasons under which I retired from 1st. That from ill-will to the district of Columthe direction of the War Department, at a juncture bia and a design to remove the seat of government) so critical as the present, should be fully and prompt-I gave orders for the retreat of the army, in the af ly known to the public. These reasons will be found fair of the 24th ult. under circumstances not making in the following brief exposition of facts. retreat necessary or proper.

On the evening of the 29th ultimo, the President This charge has not for its support the shadow called at my lodgings, and stated that a case of much of truth. The commanding general will do me the delicacy had occurred; that a high degree of excite- justice to say, that I gave him no such order, and

that he was and is under the impression, that the seeing you on Tuesday, the 23d inst, at the camp at retreat was made earlier than I believed it to be the "Old Fields." On the afternoon of that day we proper. To the president I appeal, whether I did were informed that the enemy was advancing upon not point out the disorder and retreat of a part of us. Our army was put into order of battle and our the first line, and soon after the action began, and positions taken; my forces were on the right flankeḍ stigmatise it as base and infamous.

That in despite of the remonstrances of general Winder, and by the interposition of my authority, I had prevented him from defending the capitol.

by the two battalions of the 36th and 38th regts. where we remained some hours. The enemy did not, however, make his appearance. A little before sun. set general Winder came to me and recommended This charge contains in it a total perversion of the that the heavy artillery should be withdrawn, with truth. When the head of the retiring column reach-the exception of one twelve pounder to cover the reed the capitol, it was halted for a moment. General treat. We took up the line of march, and in the Winder here took occasion to state to Mr. Monro night entered Washington by the Eastern Branch and myself, that he was not in condition to maintain bridge. I marched my men, &c. to the marine buranother conflict, and that his force was broken down racks, and took up quarters for the night. About by fatigue and dispersion. Under this representa- two o'clock, gen. Winder came to my quarters, and tion, we united in opinion, that he should proceed to occupy the heights of Georgetown.

3d. That I had withdrawn the covering party from the rear of fort Washington, and had ordered captain Dyson to blow up the fort without firing a gun.

we made some arrangements. In the morning I received a note from gen. Winder, and waited upon him. He requested me to take command and place my artillery to defend the passage of the bridge on the Eastern Branch, as the enemy was approaching This charge is utterly devoid of truth. The cover- the city in that direction. 1 immediately put my ing party was withdrawn by an order from general guns in position, leaving the marines and the rest of Winder, and captain Dyson's official report shews, my men at the barracks, to wait further orders. I that the orders under which he acted, were derived was in this situation when I had the honor to meet from the same source, though, no doubt, mistaken you with the president and heads of departments, or misrepresented. when it was determined I should draw off my guns

4th. That by my orders, the navy yard had been and men, and proceed towards Bladensburg, which burned. This like it's predecessors, is a positive was immediately put into execution. On our way I falsehood. was informed the enemy was within a mile of Bla Perceiving that no order was taken for apprising densburg; we hurried on, though the day was very commodore Tingey of the retreat of the army, I sent mejor Bell to communicate the fact and to say, that the navy-yard could no longer be covered. The commodore was of course left to follow the suggestions of his own mind, or to obey the orders, if orders had been given, of the navy department.

5th. And lastly, that means had not been taken

to collect a forte sufficient for the occasion.

As the subject of this charge may very soon become one of congressional enquiry, I shall at present make but a few remarks.

hot, and my men much crippled from the severe marches we had experienced the preceding days I preceded the men, and when I arrived at the line which separates the District from Maryland, the battle began. I sent an officer back to hasten on my men-they came up in a trot We took our position on the rising ground, put the pieces in battery, post. ed the marines under captain Miller, and flotilla men, who were to act as infantry under their own officers, on my right, to support the picces, and waited the approach of the enemy. During this period the en1st. That no means within reach of the war depart-gagement continued the enemy advancing, and our ment had been omitted or withheld-that a separate army retreating before them-apparently in mucă military district, embracing the seat of government, disorder. At length the enemy made his appearance had been created; that an officer of high rank and on the main road in force and in front of my battery, character had been placed in charge of it; that to him and on seeing us made a halt; I reserved our fire, was given full authority to call for supplies and for am a few minutes the enemy again advanced, when I militia force of fifteen thousand men; that to this force ordered an 18 pounder to be fired, which completely was added the 36th regiment of the line, a battalion cleared the road; shortly after, a second and third of the 38th, detachments of the 12th, of the artillery, attempt was made by the enemy to come forward, and of the dragoons, the marine corps, and the crews but all who made the attempt were destroyed. The of the flotilla, under the special command of com- enemy then crossed over into an open field and atmodore Barney-making a total of 16,300 men, tempted to flank our right. He was there met by General Winder's official report of the engage-three 12 pounders, the marines under captain Milment of the 24th ult. shews, how much of this foree ler, and my men acting as infantry, and again was had been assembled, and the causes why a greater totally cut up. By this time not a vestige of the portion of it had not been got together. These wili American army remained, except a body of five or be found to have been altogether extraneous from six hundred posted on a height on my right, from the government, and entirely beyond its control: and whom I expected much support from their fine situ2d. That from what is now known of the enemy's ation. The enemy from this period never appeared force, of the loss he sustained in the enterprise, of in front of us. He however pushed forward his the marks of panic under which he retreated, &c. &c. sharp shooters, one of whom shot my horse from unit is obvious, that if all the troops assembled at Blader me, which fell dead between two of my guns.→→ densburg, had been faithful to themselves and to The enemy, who had been kept in check by our fire their country, the enemy would have been beaten, nearly half an hour, now began to outflank us on the and the capital saved.

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

right. Our guns were turned that way-he pushed up the hill about 2 or 300 men towards the corps of Americans stationed as above described, who to my great mortification made no resistance, giving a fire or two and retiring.

In this situation we had the whole army of the enemy to contend with; our ameunition was expended, and unfortunately the drivers of my amny nition waggons had gone off in the general panic.